chsdbacks Page 4
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The declaration has been issued.
The seeds have been sown.
Next, the world will witness firsthand how this seed will sprout and grow into a towering tree.
The wheels of time have begun to turn.
Chapter 7: Hero Association App Launched
Kingpin's groundbreaking press conference was like an intellectual tsunami, sweeping across global news headlines, social networks, and street discussions within just a few hours.
"Professionalizing heroes? Five social insurances and one housing fund?"
"Is Kingpin crazy, or am I crazy?"
"This is a desecration of the spirit of heroism!"
"This should have been done a long time ago! Heroes are human too, they need to eat!"
"Fisk wants to be the boss of all the superheroes? What makes him think he can?"
Controversy, doubt, ridicule, curiosity, and even a sliver of support... a mix of voices thrust the "Hero Association" and Kingpin himself into the eye of the storm. Yet, right at the center of this media storm, the Fisk Group demonstrated its astonishing efficiency.
Less than 24 hours after the press conference ended, while major media outlets were still analyzing, commenting, and debating endlessly, a more concrete and accessible entity called the "Hero Association" quietly but irresistibly appeared before the public.
The Hero Association's official application (APP) has been officially launched.
Without any large-scale pre-launch advertising, the news spread like wildfire simply through Fisker Group's official channels and early access reviews from a few invited tech bloggers. Countless people, driven by curiosity, skepticism, or simply a desire to join the fun, flocked to major app stores.
The next moment, they were attracted by this app, which was extremely well-designed, had an extremely simple interface, and a very advanced concept.
The icon is the simple shield and star-shaped olive branch logo on the backdrop of the press conference, and the name is simple and direct—"Hero Association".
Upon opening the app, there's no tedious registration process; instead, a striking slogan floats on the loading screen:
"With great power comes great responsibility? No, with great power comes great responsibility. — Welcome to the Hero Association."
These slogans, with their slightly rebellious yet pragmatic undertones, instantly captured the hearts of many young people.
Upon entering the main interface, the design style is dominated by a cool, technological blue and pure white, with a clear and intuitive layout and no redundancy whatsoever.
At the top is a scrolling banner announcement area, which currently reads: "The Hero Association's Global Recruitment Program is officially launched! Regardless of ability, as long as you have a heart for justice, you can submit an application!"
The bottom section is mainly divided into several core functional areas:
1. **[Task Lobby]:** This is the core and most eye-catching part of the entire app. The interface is designed like a high-end task bounty platform. Cards representing different events are neatly arranged.
• Each card has its threat level marked in a prominent color at the top: gray (daily help), white (wolf level), blue (tiger level), purple (ghost level), and red (dragon level) (the latter two are currently grayed out and marked "insufficient permissions").
• The center of the card contains a brief description of the mission, such as: "[Queens - Wolf Level] A suspected 'trash can-turned-human' weirdo is harassing community residents and needs to be driven away or subdued." or "[Manhattan - White Level] Several thugs are robbing a convenience store and need to be stopped and handed over to the police."
The bottom of the card clearly lists the task reward points. These range from 1-10 points for gray tasks to tens to hundreds of points for white tasks. Next to the points is a clearly marked "Accept" button.
Anyone can browse the missions, but only heroes whose accounts have passed the verification and registration process can accept them.
2. [Hero Leaderboard]: Currently empty, with only a notification: "Hero data collection in progress, please stay tuned." But everyone understands that once a hero registers and completes the tasks, a leaderboard ranking heroes based on points, task completion rates, and other data will appear here. Competition and a sense of honor are silently ignited here.
3. [Association Shop]: Open to registered heroes. It lists items that can be redeemed with points. Although the specific details are not visible to visitors, the categories already spark the imagination: [Equipment Section], [Skill Enhancement Section], [Potion Section], [Knowledge Base], [Life Benefits Section]... The words "Life Benefits Section" further confirm that Kingpin's promise of "five insurances and one fund" is not just empty talk.
4. [Recruitment Channel]: An extremely detailed online application form. It goes beyond simply filling in your name; it includes a detailed background check consent form, a skills assessment appointment, and a lengthy "Hero Code of Conduct and Rights Protection Handbook" (dozens of pages long) for applicants to read. Its professionalism and rigor far exceed the recruitment processes of ordinary companies.
5. [News and Announcements]: Publish official association information, announcements of major events, and… some popular science articles related to heroes? For example, the title of the first pinned article is: "On the Importance of Standardized Combat Procedures in Reducing Civilian Casualties and Property Losses—A Discussion Based on the Battle Damage Analysis of Several Famous 'Vigilante' Operations." The article uses detailed data and a calm tone to subtly point out the drawbacks of certain lone-wolf hero tactics, effectively attacking their morale.
This app's design is completely ahead of its time. Its smooth user experience, clear functional division, and the cold logic behind it—the "project-based" and "process-based" approach to superpower events—have left all users with a sense of profound awe.
"My God, this UI/UX design is miles ahead of the S.H.I.E.L.D. website!"
"Looking at this mission description, 'suspected trash can has come to life'... Goodness, even the categorization of weirdos is this bizarre?"
"Points redemption! You can really exchange points for things! Look at that preview image, that arm armor looks so cool!"
"There are also living benefits? Can they really be exchanged for paid annual leave?"
The online discussion quickly shifted from "Should there be a Hero Association?" to "This app is really amazing" and "What good things can you exchange points for?"
Inside an ordinary apartment building in Queens.
Peter Parker had just finished a day of studying (and sneaking out to do some good deeds), and collapsed wearily onto his bed, habitually scrolling through his phone. Then, he was bombarded with screenshots of the "Hero Association App" flooding his WeChat Moments and social media feeds.
Curious, he opened the app store and downloaded the app that was now at the top of the charts.
A few minutes later, Peter opened his mouth wide, the light from the phone screen reflecting on his somewhat dazed face.
“Mission…points…redeem…” he muttered to himself, his fingers unconsciously swiping through the mission list. He saw a white mission, “Prevent a bank robbery in Brooklyn,” with a reward of “80” points.
He didn't know how many points he needed to redeem items, but the clearly marked prices and the "pay-as-you-go" model was incredibly appealing to him, a poor student who often worried about living expenses and couldn't even afford to repair his broken camera.
He remembered how, last night, to stop the robbery, he had ruined his newly bought (second-hand) backpack, and inside it was the scientific calculator he had saved up for a long time to buy. If… if he joined the association and completed the missions, could he use his points to exchange for a new one? Or even… exchange them for more advanced materials to upgrade his web-shooter?
The thought, once it appeared, entwined his heart like a vine. But he immediately shook his head violently.
"No, no, Peter! You're doing this to help others, not for a reward!" he told himself, but his eyes couldn't help but glance again at the points number and the vaguely visible, incredibly cool-looking equipment previews in the shop.
Midtown High School, classroom corridor.
"Hey Peter, did you download that 'Hero Association' app?" Ned Liz excitedly held up his phone and leaned over. "It's so cool! It's like a game just for superheroes! Look at this mission, 'Find the Lost Cat,' and it even has a 1-point reward! It's not much, but it looks so fun!"
Peter forced a smile: "Well, it's quite... interesting."
He was torn between his inner thoughts and his own conscience.
Meanwhile, somewhere in New York, at the headquarters of S.H.I.E.L.D. Trident.
Nick Fury stared with one eye at the "Hero Association APP" interface displayed on the holographic projection in front of him, his face so gloomy it could drip water.
"What are the analysis results?" he asked in a deep voice.
The technical lead's voice came through the communicator: "Sir, the technical architecture of this application is extremely advanced, far exceeding the level of civilian technology we currently possess. The server location is untraceable, and the data encryption method is unprecedented. More importantly, it seems to have an extremely complex real-time monitoring and evaluation system behind it, capable of quickly identifying, locating, and issuing warnings about those... 'abnormal events'."
Agent Coulson stood to the side, his brow furrowed. "He not only came up with a concept, but he's also produced such a mature product so quickly. Director Fury, Kingpin's technological resources are probably far more extensive than we imagined. Once this app becomes widespread, it means he will establish an intelligence and operations network independent of us."
Fury didn't speak, only tapped his fingers on the table. The blue shield emblem reflected a cold light in his single eye.
He knew that Kingpin's move was far more powerful than a press conference. He had transformed a vague concept into a tangible and alluring platform. This wasn't just about recruiting heroes; it was about subtly shaping the public's perception of "heroes" and "crisis management."
A war without gunfire has begun. And in the first round, Kingpin, with this damnably useful app, gained an absolute advantage.
Everyone realized that the Hero Association was no longer just a slogan. It had flesh and blood, tentacles, and was embedding itself into the daily life of this world in an unstoppable manner.
The wheels of time are not only turning, but also equipped with rocket boosters.
Chapter 8: S.H.I.E.L.D.'s First Contact
S.H.I.E.L.D., Trident Headquarters, Command Center.
The air was so thick it felt like you could wring water out of it. On the huge circular screen, various data streams, news clips, and the simplistic yet glaring interface of the "Hero Association App" were displayed in split-screen mode. Nick Fury's single eye, sharp as a hawk's, scanned back and forth between the screen and the thin technical analysis report in his hand. Every second of silence made the already heavy atmosphere in the command center grow even heavier.
“Conclusion.” Fury finally spoke, his voice low and devoid of any emotion, yet it caused Maria Hill and Phil Coulson, who stood before him, to tense up slightly.
Hill stepped forward, her voice clear and calm, with her usual efficiency: "Sir, the technical department has confirmed that the data encryption and server architecture used by the Hero Association app do not belong to any technological system currently known on Earth. Its information transmission method... has some kind of quantum characteristic that we cannot analyze. Simply put, we cannot crack it, cannot track it, and cannot even understand its underlying operating principles."
She paused, then added the most impactful point: "More importantly, it has an integrated event monitoring and reporting system. We compared all the recorded extraordinary events that occurred in New York City in the past 72 hours, including those that were not made public, and even those that we had just received tips about and had not yet responded to... More than 90 percent of them appeared in the app's task list almost at the same time as the event occurred, with precise location, rapid threat level determination, and... which was later proven to be basically accurate."
Coulson continued, a hint of disbelief in his voice: "It's like... there's an omnipresent eye, monitoring every corner of the city in real time, and instantly identifying which 'anomalies' require 'hero' intervention." He held up his tablet, pulling up several screenshots. "Look at these mission descriptions: 'Brooklyn docks, abandoned warehouse area, suspected illegal gene-splitting experiment (Tiger level)', 'Times Square subway ventilation shaft, discovery of an aggressive swarm of giant mutant cockroaches (Wolf level)'... Some locations were even overlooked by our regular monitoring network."
Fury's single eye narrowed slightly. This was far more terrifying than Kingpin possessing some advanced weaponry or recruiting a few superhumans. It meant that Kingpin, or rather the force behind him, controlled a vast and highly efficient intelligence gathering and crisis warning system. This system, in some ways, was even ahead of S.H.I.E.L.D.
"Kingpin's motive?" Fury's gaze shifted to Coulson.
Coulson took a deep breath, his face showing confusion: "The apparent motive, as he said at the press conference, is to establish order, regulate hero behavior, and provide security. But... this doesn't fit Wilson Fisk's consistent behavior pattern. All our psychological profiles and past records indicate that he is an extremely controlling, ambitious man who pursues absolute power and interests, not a philanthropist."
“He’s investing such enormous resources and technology, and it’s not just about ‘maintaining world peace’,” Hill said emphatically. “We suspect this is just the first step in his grand plan. Through this association, he can legally recruit, train, and control an army of superhumans; through that app and mission system, he can collect massive amounts of data on supernatural events, and may even use it to monitor potential threats or talent; and the glamorous cloak of ‘hero’ can whitewash his past and win public support, paving the way for his ultimate goal.”
“A private, legalized superpowered army, plus a highly efficient global surveillance system…” Fury repeated in a low voice, each word sounding as if it had been pulled from an ice cellar, “This is a greater threat than ten Hydras combined.”
He stood up abruptly, the hem of his black leather jacket tracing a sharp arc. "We can't wait for him to fully develop. Coulson."
“Sir,” Coulson replied immediately.
“Prepare a ‘friendly visit’.” Fury’s single eye gleamed. “In the name of S.H.I.E.L.D., express our…concerns to this newly appointed ‘Head of the Hero Association’. Probe him, see what secrets are hidden in his association’s headquarters. The key is to find out the source of his technology and his true purpose.”
“Understood.” Coulson nodded. “I will prepare the relevant materials and…contingency plans.”
“Hill,” Fury turned to another trusted lieutenant, “increase the level of surveillance on Fisk Corporation and all its related industries and personnel. I need to know which scientists and unknown forces he has recently been in contact with. At the same time, activate the ‘Watchtower’ protocol and attempt to infiltrate and analyze the Hero Association’s network data streams from the outside, even if it’s just to capture a few fragments of information.”
"Yes, sir."
The order was issued swiftly, and the entire massive machine of S.H.I.E.L.D. began to operate efficiently around the "Hero Association."
A few hours later, a seemingly ordinary black SUV with a specially modified interior pulled up in front of the Fisk Tower. This skyscraper is currently the temporary headquarters of the Hero Association.
Agent Phil Coulson straightened his impeccably tailored tie, a signature gentle yet professional smile playing on his lips, and led two plainclothes but sharp-eyed agents into the building lobby.
The receptionist was a well-trained young woman who had clearly been notified beforehand.
“Good morning, Agent Coulson.” She smiled, her tone neither humble nor arrogant. “Mr. Fisk is waiting for you in his office on the top floor. This way, please, there’s a private elevator that goes directly there.”
Coulson felt a chill run down his spine. Not only did the other party know he was coming, but they also knew his identity and arrival time perfectly. This was less a matter of politeness and more a subtle form of intimidation.
The elevator ascended silently and rapidly. When the elevator doors opened again, instead of the expected office reception area, it led directly into an extremely spacious office with an unobstructed view.
Wilson Fisk stood with his massive frame turned away from them, overlooking New York City from the enormous floor-to-ceiling window. Sunlight streamed through the glass, gilding him with a golden hue, but it did nothing to soften his imposing, mountain-like presence.
“Agent Coulson.” King didn’t turn around; his deep voice echoed in the empty office. “SHIELD’s efficiency is a bit slower than I expected.”
Coulson's smile remained unchanged, but his heart tightened. He took a few steps forward, maintaining a safe distance: "Mr. Fisk, your recent actions have attracted widespread attention. As an international organization responsible for dealing with global supernatural threats, S.H.I.E.L.D. is naturally extremely interested in this."
Kingpin slowly turned around, his sharp eyes landing on Coulson, as if they could see through any disguise. "Interest? Or... wariness?" He walked behind the huge desk and sat down, gesturing for Coulson to sit.
Coulson sat down in the guest seat, with two agents standing a short distance behind him on either side. “We appreciate any force dedicated to maintaining world peace, Mr. Fisk,” Coulson chose his words carefully, “but as you know, superpowers are a double-edged sword. Ensuring that this power is properly guided and used is one of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s core responsibilities. We are… intrigued by your concept of ‘professionalism,’ but we also have some reservations.”
"Concerns?" Kingpin placed his hands on the table, his tone flat. "What are you worried about? Are you worried that I can't manage these 'employees,' or that... I'm managing them too well?"
Coulson felt a bit of pressure; the other party's directness surprised him somewhat. "We're more concerned with the technological support behind this system, and its long-term…goals. For example, your association's event monitoring system is astonishing in its coverage and accuracy. I wonder in which field Fisker Group has achieved such groundbreaking progress?"
He began to delve into the core, probing the origins of the technology.
Kingpin's lips curled into a barely perceptible smile. He leaned forward slightly, his gaze pressing down on Coulson with an almost tangible intensity. "Agent Coulson," he said, "every corporation has its own core secrets. Just as S.H.I.E.L.D. doesn't disclose all the details of your alien technology research, the source of the Hero Association's technology falls under the category of trade secrets. You only need to know that this system can effectively and promptly detect and handle threats, protecting innocent civilians. That's enough."
He paused, then added, his tone carrying a hint of deeper meaning: "Perhaps S.H.I.E.L.D. should consider how to collaborate with a more efficient and professional agency, rather than obsessively investigating its partner's trade secrets. After all, our goals, at least on the surface, are aligned—maintaining security and responding to crises, aren't they?"
Cooperation? Alarm bells rang in Coulson's mind. Instead of panicking at being questioned, King was trying to pull S.H.I.E.L.D. into his system, or at least, to define an equal (or even dominant) cooperative relationship?
“Cooperation is based on mutual trust and transparency, Mr. Fisker,” Coulson insisted.
“Trust takes time, and transparency requires a certain degree.” Kingpin leaned back in his chair, relaxed yet exuding an undeniable authority. “The Hero Association welcomes all forms of healthy competition and reasonable cooperation. But if S.H.I.E.L.D. comes with the intention of censorship and restriction… then I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed.”
His gaze swept over Coulson and the agents behind him, finally settling on Coulson's face.
“Please convey to Director Fury,” Kingpin’s voice was deep and clear, each word carrying weight, “The Hero Association will develop in its own way and at its own pace. We will not interfere with S.H.I.E.L.D.’s operations, and we hope… that S.H.I.E.L.D. will respect our independence.”
"The world is big enough to accommodate multiple organizations that maintain order."
At this point in the conversation, Coulson realized that this contact would yield no further substantial information. Kingpin's attitude was tough and clear; he possessed a trump card (that mysterious technology) and was unafraid to flex his muscles.
“I will convey your message.” Coulson stood up, his smile still gentle, but his eyes had become serious. “Thank you for your time, Mr. Fisk. S.H.I.E.L.D. will… continue to monitor the development of the Hero Association.”
"You're welcome anytime," Kingpin replied casually, his gaze already returning to the city outside the window, as if the visit of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s top agent was just a trivial interlude.
Coulson left the office with his agents and took the elevator down. Only after he was back in his car did he let out a soft sigh and rub his temples.
"How is it, sir?" the agent in the driver's seat asked.
Coulson gazed out the window at the towering Fisk Tower and slowly said, "Reply to Director Fury... The target is aggressive, possesses unknown technological origins, has clear intentions, and... is extremely dangerous. I recommend raising the threat level to 'Observation-Restricted'."
He paused, then added a sentence, his tone tinged with complexity.
"Also, tell the director... I feel that he (Kingpin) seems to be enjoying the process. It's like playing a game of chess that we've only just begun to understand."
The black SUV merged into the traffic and drove away from the Fisker Building.
In his top-floor office, Kingpin remained standing by the window, watching the direction in which the car had disappeared.
A system notification sounded in my mind:
[Successfully handled the initial contact and probing from the large domestic official organization "S.H.I.E.L.D." The association's visibility and deterrent power have slightly increased.]
[Triggering the follow-up mission – "Establishing Boundaries". Mission Requirements: Successfully repel or neutralize at least one substantial infiltration or suppression operation from S.H.I.E.L.D. within three months. Mission Rewards: 800 points, [Intermediate Encrypted Communication Network Blueprint] x1.]
Kingpin's face was expressionless, but deep in his eyes, a glint of absolute control flashed.
The game has begun.